James Cook, the running back for the Buffalo Bills, is entering the final year of his rookie deal and has chosen not to participate in the team’s voluntary OTAs while negotiating a new contract. Head coach Sean McDermott confirmed that discussions continue between the player and the team, expressing confidence that Cook will be back soon.
“Yeah, we’re staying in touch, like you’d expect a player and a coach to do,”
McDermott said, via Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.
“So, James will be here when he’s ready to be here and we move forward.”
Team Perspective on Contract Negotiations
Left tackle Dion Dawkins addressed the typical process Buffalo follows with contract extensions, highlighting the team’s commitment to its players. He acknowledged the uncertainty that can arise but remained optimistic about the outcome.
“We feel like we don’t have nothing to do with it and whatever is going on upstairs, it will handle itself,”
Dawkins remarked.
“I do know that with the culture that goes on here is we take care of ours, and some processes are longer than others, and I’m not a GM. So, I wish that I had the answer, but I don’t, but I do know that Cook is a good kid, and he plays hard. And we know how Beane is, and we don’t know how Beane is, but he has a job, and he’ll figure it out. And hopefully we’ll be seeing our boy Cook soon.”
Jets’ Roster Moves and Offensive Strategy
Meanwhile, the New York Jets appear to have settled their wide receiver group, with reporters noting little expectation for further additions. According to SNY’s Connor Hughes, the Jets have made their key bets on players such as Allen Lazard, Josh Reynolds, Tyler Johnson, and rookie Arian Smith. However, they may look to strengthen their safety position, where starter Tony Adams has reportedly fallen out of favor with management.
Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand outlined the offensive approach, emphasizing speed and aggression.
“I think we just want to play fast, right? We want to be physical. We want to be aggressive. We want to be explosive. We want to be detailed. We want that to show up on tape each and every week,”
Engstrand said.
Confidence in Patriots’ Front Office Stability
In New England, despite external speculation, the future of Eliot Wolf as the de facto general manager remains secure, according to NFL analyst Albert Breer. Breer pointed to recent front office hires as evidence of stability within the Patriots’ personnel department.
“I don’t think things are nearly as bad in New England as you may have been led to believe,”
Breer responded in an SI.com mailbag.
“And I think the proof of it is in the hire of A.J. Highsmith as the team’s new pro scouting director. Highsmith is the son of Alonzo Highsmith, who is the right-hand man to EVP of player personnel Eliot Wolf. Hiring someone that close to Wolf into a vital director’s role is a good indication that Wolf’s going nowhere.”
Following Latest NFL Insider Updates
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